Jimmie Johnston: Child Soldier of the Civil War

* James “Jimmie” Vincent Johnston was born September 23, 1857, and “was the youngest person who rendered effective service in battle” during the Civil War at age 6 ½.

* His father, Captain John V. Johnston, was executive officer on Admiral Andrew Hull Foote’s flagship during the attack on Fort Donelson.

* On February 13, 1864, his wife and their son, Jimmie, were aboard the USS Forest Rose gunboat with him when they were unexpectedly attacked by a force of five thousand Confederates who were trying to cross the Mississippi to reinforce General Joseph E. Johnston, who was confronting General Sherman in Georgia.

* From February 13 to 15, the USS Forest Rose resisted their attempts to cross the river. Captain Johnston attempted to keep his son below deck with his wife, but the boy escaped to be with the gunners several times.

* Finally, when the regular powder boy was shot and killed, Jimmie took on his role.

* When his father discovered him, he asked where he had gotten the load of powder. Jimmie replied, “Why, Tommy [the powder boy] had his head shotted off over there, an’ I’m a-carrying’ his powder.”